Improper Use of Cleaning Supplies Can Be Hazardous

When it comes to food service sanitation, working with chemicals is a must to keep a restaurant clean. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations require the use of cleaners and sanitizers and also provide guidelines for the proper environment to prepare and serve food. The risk of chemical exposure is a serious issue in the food service industry. Potential harm may be caused to those who come in contact with these chemicals if they are not trained properly.

Which Cleaning Materials Are Hazardous?

Some cleaning chemicals can be hazardous, causing problems ranging from skin rashes, burns, coughing to more serious illnesses. People can encounter hazardous chemicals by handling them directly or indirectly through vapor and residue. Exposure to these hazardous chemicals can have numerous side effects or result in more dangerous, even life-threatening problems if used or stored improperly. Some of the most commonly handled hazardous chemicals include:

Window and Commercial Kitchen Cleaners with 2-Butoxyethanol: Commonly found in industrial “all-in-one” and window cleaners, 2-butoxyethanol acts as a relatively non-volatile solvent. As a result, the chemical can enter a person’s body through skin contact or direct inhalation. Exposure at a high level can lead to kidney and liver damage. Inhalation at lower levels typically irritates the throat and lungs. Chronic exposure has been correlated with neurodegenerative disorders.

Glass Cleaners and Sink Cleaners with Ammonia: Ammonia is one of the most produced industrial chemical in the U.S. . At room temperature, it takes a gaseous form, but is easily compressed into a liquid. Exposure typically happens through inhalation, where it can cause respiratory distress, burns, and in extreme cases, lead to respiratory failure. In addition, ammonia triggers olfactory adaptation, making it harder to smell it the longer a person is exposed to it. At lower concentrations, ammonia can irritate the body and can cause serious injury to the skin and eyes at higher concentrations. 

Cleaners and Mildew Removers with Chlorine: Many disinfectants and cleaners contain chlorine. Like ammonia, chlorine is gaseous at room temperature, so exposure typically occurs through inhalation. Light exposure may result in irritation to the eyes and nose, while direct contact with chlorine can cause severe chemical burns. Chlorine is heavier than air, so using it in poorly ventilated areas can result in asphyxiation. Chlorine bleach should never be combined with ammonia since they can potentially form chloramines, which are gases that can cause irritation in the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as pneumonia and fluid in the lungs.

Cleaners with Sodium Hydroxide or Sodium Hypochlorite: Sodium hydroxide is typically found in oven and drain cleaners. It is odorless and may irritate the eyes and skin through indirect and cause thermal and chemical burns through direct contact. Sodium Hypochlorite is typically found in bleach cleaners and belongs to the family of chlorines. Chlorine gas may be released from hypochlorite solutions, which may irritate the skin and eyes. Since chlorine can be released, it is essential to avoid contact with products containing ammonia. Higher concentrations may cause chemical burns, and ingesting concentrate can result in corrosive injury.

Dry-Cleaning Solutions with Perchloroethylene: Tetrachloroethylene or PERC is commonly found in degreasing and dry-cleaning products. Contact with the chemical is usually made via inhalation, with odor being the primary indicator of acute exposure. Lower levels of exposure lead to respiratory irritation, while increased exposure may lead to central nervous system conditions such as drowsiness and dizziness. Extreme exposure can lead to coma, and in some cases, can cause death.

Scented Cleaning Products with Phthalates: Phthalates are one of the most used chemicals in cleaners, fragrances, cosmetics, food packaging, and various personal care products. Nearly all Americans test positive for phthalates in their urine. While there is a lack of definitive research detailing the effects of phthalates on the human body, it does not mean that there is no effect. They have been linked to changes in hormone levels and could potentially be related to more health issues as research progresses.

 

Responding After Chemical Exposure 

Always consult the SDS or contact the national poison control center right away to get advice about specific chemicals after exposure. Immediately after chemical exposure has occurred, the following general steps should be taken:

Remove from contact: The exposure victim should be evacuated from the area of the gases and away from direct contact with the chemical. Remove any of the victim’s clothing or items that may have come into contact with the chemical. When helping a victim of exposure, it is important to wear PPE to minimize further contact.

Evacuate to fresh air: Evacuation may include leaving the room or building entirely, as airborne particles can spread or increase in concentration. Once cleared from the exposure area, evaluate the seriousness of the situation, and seek emergency help if needed.

Cleanse skin: Make sure the chemical is not activated with water by reading labels and SDS first. If the chemical does not have activation with water, flush the area for at least 15 minutes using a gentle flow.

Irrigate eyes: Using water or an emergency eyewash solution, flush the affected eyes for at least 15 minutes. If using water, ensure that the water temperature is cool. If only one eye is affected, rinse the affected eye without spreading the chemical to the other eye. This may involve tilting the head and flushing downward.

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